Christmas morning is a time of joy, excitement, and often, a bit of chaos. Between the rustling of wrapping paper and the echoes of joyful cheers, preparing a wholesome breakfast that can feed the entire family and still allow you to be part of the festivities can be a challenge.
Enter the Instant Pot Frittata Breakfast Casserole – your savior for a delicious, easy, and festive morning feast. This recipe is designed to take the hassle out of holiday cooking, leaving you with more time to spend with loved ones. Let's dive into this culinary delight that’s sure to become a Christmas tradition in your home or RV!
Ingredients:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup of whole milk or heavy cream
- 2 cups of shredded cheese (a mix of cheddar and mozzarella works well)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (for that festive color!)
- 1 cup of cooked ham, diced (substitute with cooked bacon or sausage if preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
- Optional additions: mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, or any other favorites
Instructions:
- Prep Your Veggies and Proteins:
Start your Christmas morning by finely chopping your onion, dicing your bell peppers, and cutting your ham into bite-sized pieces. If you’re including any additional veggies, prep them now.
- Sauté the Veggies:
Turn on the sauté function on your Instant Pot and add the olive oil. Once hot, sauté the onions and bell peppers until they’re soft and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. If you’re using mushrooms or other veggies, add them now and sauté until everything is tender. Turn off the Instant Pot.
- Beat the Eggs:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme until well combined.
- Layer the Casserole:
Spray a springform pan that fits inside your Instant Pot with non-stick cooking spray. Spread the sautéed vegetables evenly at the bottom. Scatter the diced ham (or other cooked proteins) over the veggies. Pour the egg mixture over everything, making sure the liquid is evenly distributed. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
- Prepare for Pressure Cooking:
Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot. Place the trivet that came with your pot inside. Carefully lower the springform pan onto the trivet.
- Pressure Cook Your Frittata:
Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to the sealing position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the time for 25 minutes on high pressure. It will take a few minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure.
- Natural Release:
Once the cooking time has finished, allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to venting for a quick release of any remaining pressure. Open the lid once it's safe to do so.
- Finishing Touches:
Carefully remove the springform pan from the Instant Pot. If desired, place under a broiler for a few minutes to brown the top of the casserole.
- Garnish and Serve:
Let the frittata casserole sit for a couple of minutes, then run a knife around the edges to loosen it. Remove the springform sides, garnish with fresh parsley or chives, and serve warm.
- Enjoy Your Festive Feast:
Slice up your beautiful Christmas morning frittata and serve it up to your hungry family. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that’ll keep everyone full and happy until the Christmas dinner!
This Instant Pot Frittata Breakfast Casserole is not only a time-saver but a true Christmas morning treat. It’s packed with flavor, has a festive look, and can easily be adapted to include your family's favorite ingredients. Plus, it allows you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the magic of Christmas. Give this recipe a try, and it may just become a new holiday tradition in your home. Merry Christmas and happy cooking!
